Boxing’s Richest Bout Draws Private Aircraft to Vegas
Blockbuster boxing match between Pacquiao and Mayweather proved a tremendous boon for business aviation service providers at Las Vegas McCarran Airport.
More than 400 private aircraft were crammed into parking areas at Las Vegas McCarran Airport on May 2 for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. FBO Atlantic Aviation reported more than 257 business aircraft on its ramp, shown here. (Photo: Atlantic Aviation)

Saturday night’s long anticipated, blockbuster boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. proved a tremendous boon for business aviation service providers at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Photos on social media showed the ramp crammed with private aircraft, not to mention that the airport was closed to non-airline traffic after reaching ramp-parking capacity.


According to Atlantic Aviation, one of two FBOs at the airport, there were 257 aircraft on its ramp before the airport authority requested all inbound private aircraft use either Henderson Executive or North Las Vegas Airports. By Sunday morning the company had pumped more than quarter-million gallons of fuel just for event traffic. Competitor Signature Flight Support reported it had more than 150 aircraft on its Las Vegas ramp during the match.


As the wagering capital of the U.S., Las Vegas attracts large crowds during major sporting events. According to Atlantic, during the Super Bowl its FBO at McCarran typically sees as much traffic as those in the big game’s host city.